With autumn now in full swing, gardeners across the UK are gearing up for essential tasks to prepare their outdoor spaces for winter.
From leaf clean-up to pruning shrubs, these activities are crucial for maintaining a healthy garden through the colder months. They may even prove critical for preventing plant damage, experts have cautioned.
Homeowners can take advantage of this transitional season to ensure their gardens remain tidy and protected from potential frost damage.
By tackling these tasks now, gardeners set the stage for a vibrant spring display.
White hydrangeas rarely change colourGETTYLeaf clean-up is a vital autumn task for gardeners. Raking and gathering fallen leaves prevents lawn rot and maintains garden tidiness.
"You should be raking the leaves so they're out of the way and the borders are tidy," advises gardening expert Jack Stooks, on behalf of Fruity Slots.
"If you don't tidy up your leaves, they will become a bit of a mess and unmanageable, leading some of the grass to rot."
Collecting leaves into a pile makes the job more manageable and sets the stage for a well-maintained garden throughout winter.
Pruning shrubs is another crucial autumn task for garden preparation. This activity helps prevent damage from harsh winter conditions.
"You should also make sure all your bushes and shrubs have been pruned to where you want them," Jack suggested.
"This ensures that in the winter - and when we get snowfall or icy conditions - the branches won't snap and break."
Proper pruning protects plants from cold damage, which can be particularly harmful when excessive cold becomes trapped within the plant structure.
Autumn is an ideal time to invest in bare-root roses, a cost-effective option for gardeners looking to enhance their spring displays.
"Ahead of autumn, I would recommend buying bare root roses as this works out cheaper than any other flower," noted the expert. "You can buy them online and plant them in late autumn."
For the best selection, it's wise to purchase early. These roses will establish over winter and bloom beautifully come spring, adding vibrant colour to your garden.
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Pruning will prevent damage to plants as temperatures drop
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Autumn is the perfect time to clean and refresh garden equipment and structures. Experts recommend thoroughly cleaning plant pots before storage.
"Give them a good clean and store them away so they're good to go when you next need one," advised Jack.
"Keeping them stored away will ensure they don't get damaged in the frost and colder months."
For those with greenhouses, a thorough cleaning is essential. Remove and dispose of unnecessary plants, such as old tomato plants or summer flora, to prepare for the winter ahead.
